Billy Warren

GASTONIA -- Billy Wandas Warren, 70, passed away Sept. 29 at CaroMont Regional Medical Center.

He was born in Gaston County on Jan. 17, 1947 to the late Algie "Red" and Ruby Cook Warren.

After graduating from Frank L. Ashley High School Class of 1965; Billy attended Gaston College. He entered the U.S. Army in 1967 and graduated from Artillery Officer Candidate School, Fort Sill, Oklahoma in 1968. Upon receiving his Commission as a 2LT he entered U.S. Army flight school. He served with distinction as an Army Aviator flying the Chinook CH-47 having been awarded the Bronze star with V device and 14 Air medals and the Army Commendation Medal for his services in Vietnam 1969-1970. Having attained the rank of Captain he was honorably discharged in 1972.

In recent years, he and his wife Dorothy founded Carlton Textiles in Spartanburg, S.C. where they designed and manufactured bed comforters and pillow shams distributed nationwide.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Donald G. Cook and Sgt. Major USMC Jerry D. Warren.

Left to cherish his memories include his loving wife of 48 ½ years, Dorothy Underdown Warren; sister and brother-in-law, Vickie W. and Louis Cardin of Fuquay-Varina; brother and sister-in-law, A. Brice and Georgia Warren of Gastonia.

Family will receive friends from 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1 at Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home prior to the 4 p.m. Celebration of Life Memorial Service with the Rev. Matt Morris officiating. Military Honors provided by the Gaston County Honor Guard.

Memorials may be made to Christ United Methodist Church c/o Building Fund, 3415 Union Road, Gastonia, North Carolina 28056.

Online condolences may be made at: www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com.

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144 is serving the Warren family.